Initially, I thought that US President Joe Biden would have to persist regardless of the outcome of the debate with Donald Trump. After a few days of reflection, my opinion has changed.
President Biden’s recent performance in the presidential debate has only reinforced concerns about his cognitive abilities and leadership skills. With a growing number of voters questioning his ability to run for another term, it is time for him to consider withdrawing from the presidential race. Doing so would significantly improve the Democratic Party’s chances against former President Trump, who poses a significant threat to democracy.
Current polls are worrisome for Joe Biden. A few polls since the debate show him trailing Trump by 6 percentage points. Some polls also show seven Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, outperforming Trump by 3 to 5 points over Biden. This suggests that the Democratic Party has viable alternatives that are more likely to win the next election.
Joe Biden has the opportunity to gracefully retire without being seen as a lame-duck president. By stepping down now, he can focus on his presidential duties and implementing his policies without the distractions of a grueling campaign. It would also give the new candidate plenty of time to build his brand and connect with voters.
By allowing a new candidate to take the helm, the Democratic Party would gain a fresh face who can energize the base and reach out to swing voters. Harris, despite some skepticism, has shown strengths in key areas such as reproductive rights and foreign policy, which could help her solidify support among important groups of voters. This new leadership could bring new ideas and renewed vigor, crucial in a highly contested election.
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